you’re a gift.

One of my love languages is definitely gift giving. But not just any gift. I love finding gifts that are special and fit the person so well. You know when you find something and you just know they’re going to love it?! There’s so much excitement when giving the gift and watching the response that follows after the gift is opened.

Many you know about Pearl House and that our mission is in Ghana, West Africa. One of the things I’ve learned is that culturally, Ghanaians do not like to open gifts in front of the gift giver. They are so kind and thoughtful that they are afraid their face will speak too loudly if they do not like the gift that’s been given. I have respect for their realness. I know I’ve been fake in my excitement when I received a gift as a kid from someone that didn’t know what I liked or wanted. (mainly from a distant relative)

For me, when you don’t get to see someone open their gift, it takes away part of the excitement and joy. It’s simply pure bliss when someone opens up the perfect gift you know they’re going to love!

And this got me thinking of two things.

1. You are a gift! When God made you and created you, He gifted this world with you! You are unique and special! There has never been anyone like you, there’s no one like you now, and there will never be anyone like you to come! And He has given you gifts and talents to share with others.

1. The Bible tells us that God gave us the perfect gift through Jesus. He is a gift to all of us. But just like any gift, before we can have it and enjoy it, we have to receive it. Once we receive the gift of Jesus, He is able to open our eyes to see ourselves and others through His lens. He is able to open our ears to hear His voice. He is able to open our hands so that we are able to help and serve others. He is able to open our hearts so that we have love and empathy to ourselves and to others.                                   So whether you like to open gifts in front of others or in private, the gift of Jesus is for all of us to enjoy. We have to be willing to receive it. This gift is yours for the taking!